Fri Jun 27 19:20:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Avalanche Trade Charlie Coyle to Blue Jackets, Clear Cap Space**
DENVER, CO – In a move to free up cap space, the Colorado Avalanche have reportedly traded veteran center Charlie Coyle to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The news, first reported by Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic, comes as the Avalanche navigate a tight salary cap situation heading into free agency.
Coyle, 33, is in the final year of his contract, carrying a $5.25 million cap hit. He was acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins, where he tallied two goals and 13 points in 19 regular-season games for Colorado. However, he only managed one goal in the team’s first-round playoff exit against the Dallas Stars.
The trade comes after the Avalanche secured Brock Nelson to center the second line with a $7.5 million contract earlier in the month. Coyle’s salary was deemed too high for the Avs to retain, especially with limited cap space and several roster spots to fill.
With the center market thinning out due to signings such as Brock Nelson and John Tavares. Coyle’s value as a solid middle-six center made him a tradeable asset for the Avalanche.
In other news, the Avalanche have signed two minor league depth players to one-year deals.
**Around the NHL:**
* Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar have been named to Team Canada’s initial roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
* Gabriel Landeskog has been named to Team Sweden’s preliminary 2026 Winter Olympic Roster
* Martin Necas will play for Team Czechia at 2026 Winter Olympics
* The Utah Hockey Club landed Peterka
* The Wild cleared cap space.
* Evander Kane may be on the move
* Zegras landed a new home
**Analysis:**
The Avalanche’s decision to trade Coyle signals a clear strategy to manage their cap effectively. It also opens the door for other centers in the system to fight for playing time.
First Piper 